Survivor Story: Beth Mattsson
On the day before she was set to meet her new classroom of students on the first day of school, Beth Mattsson’s life changed in an instant. She and her husband, David, decided to take a motorcycle ride to enjoy lunch together, something they’d done many times before. But on the way home, a vehicle abruptly pulled out in front of them. The impact was unavoidable.
In the seconds that followed, her world shifted. She sustained a traumatic brain injury, seven broken ribs, and a collapsed lung – injuries so severe that every minute mattered. As first responders evaluated her condition, it became clear she needed immediate, advanced care. That’s when Life Link III was dispatched.
Life Link III’s crew, Dave Anderson, Pilot; Ashley Thomalla, Flight Nurse; and Mac Johnson, Flight Paramedic, arrived quickly, providing critical medical interventions and transporting her by air to the hospital and getting her the care she urgently needed. The speed, paired with the expertise of the crew, made all the difference.
“Life Link helped save my life,” she shared. “They delivered emergency medical care and flew me to the hospital faster than an ambulance would have. I truly believe their response changed the outcome of my story.”
Today, she speaks with deep gratitude for the crew, the care, and the life she continues to lead.
“Because of all that you do, I am still here doing the things I love…teaching beautiful young minds, tending to my gardens, and giving my family every bit of my love. You mean the absolute world to me, and I thank God for you. My family thanks you from the bottom of their hearts.”
When asked what she would say to the crew who cared for her that day, her message is simple:
“Thank you for your service and for everything you do to save lives. I am blessed to be able to share my gratitude for everything you did that allowed me to be in such an amazing place and to share my miraculous recovery. I love you all more than these words can convey.”
Nearly a year after her crash, on October 23, 2025, she and her husband visited the Life Link III base to meet the very clinicians who had cared for her. The moment was surreal, emotional, and unforgettable. Despite busy schedules, long on-call hours, and demanding shifts, the crew made a point to be there, to listen, to connect, and to see the remarkable recovery they helped make possible.
“They work so hard and see so much trauma,” she said. “It meant everything to be able to show them the positive outcome of their efforts. I’m sure the night was as meaningful to them as it was to us.”
Her story is one of resilience, gratitude, and the power of skilled, compassionate emergency care. And it’s a reminder of why Life Link III exists, to be there on the hardest days, bringing hope, expertise, and the possibility of another tomorrow.
